Spring '26: Meet Our Graduates

Over the past three years at UNI, my journey has been incredibly meaningful. Coming here as an international student, it was the first time I truly felt that I was on my own, but also the first time I found a strong sense of belonging

The Office of International Engagement has been a very special place for me. Through roles like Campus Staff Driver, Global Panther Success Ambassador, and being part of the International Student Promoter team, I had the chance to welcome new students, share my experiences, and support others as they adjusted to a new environment. It made me feel like I wasn’t just part of the community, but also someone who could give back to it.

UNI has truly felt like a home to me. It’s a place where I’ve grown more independent, more open, and more confident in who I am. Along the way, I’ve also been fortunate to receive several graduate school offers, including programs at Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, and Brown, some with scholarships. These opportunities mean a lot to me, and I’m deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and experiences I’ve received here.

Looking back, I feel thankful not only for what UNI has given me, but also for the chance to contribute in my own small way. I hope that, in some way, I’ve helped make this community just a little more welcoming for others.

For graduating student Micaiah Ellis from Canada, UNI provided the perfect balance of academics, athletics, and community. “The class sizes and athletic opportunities” were some of the biggest factors that shaped Micaiah’s experience, especially the opportunity to “compete at the Division I level on the Track and Field team.” One of the most memorable moments came during orientation week freshman year, where meeting students from around the world created a lasting impact. “We all had to adapt to a new situation and it really left an impact on me,” Micaiah shared, reflecting on how those early connections broadened perspectives and helped build a sense of belonging.

Throughout the UNI journey, Micaiah found opportunities to grow both personally and professionally through leadership and outreach experiences across campus. “UNI has offered me many opportunities to get involved in the community,” Micaiah said, noting how taking on leadership roles helped strengthen communication skills and encouraged stepping outside of a comfort zone. 

Beyond academics and athletics, Micaiah appreciated the little things that made campus feel like home: “I love how walkable the campus is… and seeing the campus squirrels running around everywhere.” Describing UNI as “small, proud, and inclusive,” Micaiah encourages future students to take advantage of campus events and opportunities to connect. “Making connections at this time is easy,” Micaiah said, adding that the education and support from professors at UNI is “second to none.”

Mursal Khatian shared that he chose UNI for its “College of Business and the affordability,” and quickly found a sense of belonging on campus. Reflecting on his time, he described his favorite memory as the “Kansas City Case competition with AAF,” a highlight of both learning and teamwork. 

He emphasized how his experience “transformed me into a different person, not to punish me but to rebuild me so I can be the best version of myself,” noting that different organizations helped shape his growth by offering both leadership roles and behind-the-scenes responsibilities. 

He also appreciated that “it’s a medium sized campus so it’s easy to walk around it,” making daily life more connected and manageable. For future students, he advises to “come with an open mind” and “choose your passion,” adding that UNI can be summed up in three words: “opportunity, home, growth.

My name is Wemimo A. Aluko, and I am a first-generation student from Nigeria, currently completing my M.A. in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. My journey to this program was born out of  passion for teaching and a lifelong fascination with human language, specifically, our incredible ability to navigate and understand the nuances of context. I came here with a clear aspiration to build a life in academia, but also with a very personal mission. I wanted to challenge the narrative that being a second-language speaker of English is somehow a deficiency. I firmly believe that linguistic diversity is a profound strength, especially for those who are eager to learn, and I wanted my research to reflect the competence and richness that diverse speakers bring to the table.

My time at UNI has been both humbling and deeply rewarding. I have had the privilege of teaching as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Volunteer ESL Instructor, conducting research alongside wonderful Professors and mentors, and presenting my work at the SLA Symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and at the EPIP9 conference in Manchester, UK. I was also elected Member-at-Large for Applied Linguistics at TESOL International for 2026/2027, which remains one of my proudest milestones. Being recognized through the Graduate Fellowship, the Graduate Research Fellowship, and the Global Panthers Success Scholarship, serving as a GPS Representative and Involvement Officer for the International Student Promoters, has made me feel truly at home here.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue my Ph.D. and continue exploring how language intersects with technology and digital spaces, a thread that runs through my master's thesis on trans-languaging practices on social media. I am excited for what is ahead, and deeply grateful for everything this journey has already given me.

For graduating student Emmanuel Anane, UNI became a place where academic goals and personal growth came together. “My research interest brought me to UNI,” Emmanuel shared. “After exploring faculty research areas, I found that Dr. Spradling's research aligned perfectly with my academic goals.” Conversations with faculty and students reinforced that decision and showed Emmanuel that UNI was “the right place for me to grow academically and professionally.” 

Some of the most meaningful parts of the experience came through relationships built with an advisor, professors in the Biology department, and the support received through the Office of International Engagement. Emmanuel also reflected on how “working as a teaching assistant, and being involved in research made my experience meaningful and rewarding.”

Outside the classroom, Emmanuel embraced opportunities for leadership, involvement, and connection. Through participation in GRASAG-UNI activities and engagement with people from different backgrounds, Emmanuel developed greater independence and stronger communication skills while building lasting memories as an international student. 

Describing UNI as “welcoming, supportive, and inspiring,” Emmanuel highlighted the caring professors, friendly community, and opportunities to connect through student organizations and cultural events. Emmanuel’s advice for future international students is simple but meaningful: “Be open to new experiences and don't be afraid to ask for help. Get involved in campus activities and make use of the resources available at UNI.”

Ruth Abagna, a master’s student in geography graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, reflects on her journey at UNI as one of transformation, belonging, and growth. Originally from Ghana, Ruth says, “UNI has shaped my growth in ways I never imagined when I first arrived from Ghana,” describing the university as a place where she found “a true sense of belonging” through the Office of International Engagement and the friendships she built across campus. 

Academically, Ruth credits her graduate coursework, research assistantship, and mentorship from faculty members, especially Dr. Liang, with deepening her passion for geography, climate resilience, and community-centered research. She also gained confidence presenting at conferences such as West Lakes and HPAIR, experiences that helped her “see myself as a scholar with something meaningful to contribute.” Beyond the classroom, Ruth served as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, GPS Ambassador, Graduate Council member, and guest speaker for study abroad programs, opportunities that strengthened her leadership and communication skills while shaping her long-term goal of creating an NGO focused on youth development and climate resilience in Upper East, Ghana. 

Reflecting on the UNI community, Ruth says, “UNI is a place where people truly see you, support you, and celebrate your growth,” adding that what she loved most was the “genuine sense of family” she experienced from the moment she arrived on campus. Through her involvement in student organizations, mentorship, conferences, and outreach programs, Ruth says she gained “belonging, purpose, and opportunities to grow into the person I am today.” Her advice to new international students is simple but heartfelt: “Come with an open heart and allow yourself to grow,” encouraging students to get involved early and embrace the support UNI offers. When asked to describe her UNI experience in three words, Ruth chose: “Welcoming. Transformative. Empowering.”

Abigail Salami, an international student from Ghana graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, describes her journey at UNI as both “a personal fulfillment and a dream come true.” Drawn to UNI for its welcoming environment, strong academic support, and sense of community, Abigail says she wanted “a place where I could grow academically while also feeling supported personally, and UNI truly became that place for me.” Throughout her time at UNI, she found meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging, sharing that “despite personal challenges, I experienced moments of genuine care, encouragement, and support from faculty, staff, and fellow students.” Academically and professionally, Abigail credits UNI with strengthening her research capabilities, critical-thinking skills, and confidence in her field, while her graduate assistantship provided valuable experience that prepared her for future career opportunities. 

What makes UNI especially meaningful to her is its “nurturing and inclusive community,” where students from different backgrounds are welcomed and valued. She says the warmth she received from the Office of International Engagement, faculty, and fellow students “made me feel like a member of a family.” Although naturally introverted, Abigail made a conscious effort to become involved on campus by joining the International Student Promoters Union and serving as Financial Secretary for the Ghana Graduate Association. These experiences helped her step outside her comfort zone, build meaningful friendships, and develop leadership skills while giving her “a sense of purpose, belonging, and shared experience.” Looking back on her time at UNI, Abigail describes it in three words: “Supportive. Transformative. Welcoming.” 

She encourages incoming international students to stay flexible, seek support when needed, and get involved in campus life, emphasizing that UNI is “a welcoming atmosphere where individuals are truly interested in your well-being.” Abigail says she would absolutely recommend UNI to students from Ghana because it is “a place where one can grow and achieve all goals in life.”